British holiday companies were today trying to assist thousands of UK tourists stranded in America by the transatlantic flight ban.

British holiday companies were today trying to assist thousands of UK tourists stranded in America by the transatlantic flight ban.

Most of the UK holidaymakers whose trips had come to an end were still being put up in their earlier accommodation at the expense of tour operators.

But many others, on fly-drive deals or travelling independently, were left to finance extra days themselves.

"We have had calls from people saying their relatives are running low on money," said an Association of British Travel Agents' spokesman.

He went on: "Around three million Britons visit the US each year, so there are bound to be many thousands out there at any one time. The good news for them is that America has an abundance of good, cheap accommodation."

Thomson, the UK's biggest holiday company, currently has 3,000 clients in Florida - a number of whom were due to fly home today with other return flights due tomorrow and Saturday.

"With no flights going out to Florida, we have been able to accommodate, in their present hotels, all the holidaymakers unable to return," said a Thomson spokeswoman.

Thomson flights had been due to leave for Florida today from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester. Thomson's Florida-bound flights on Fridays leave from Gatwick and Cardiff, but they are unlikely to depart.

A spokesman for British Airways Holidays and Thomas Cook Holidays, which are now combined under the Accoladia banner, said it had around 1,000 UK tourists in the USA, including 100 in New York City.

"We are trying to make sure everyone out there is comfortable and has food and accommodation," said a spokesman.

Meanwhile, the UK's Federation of Tour Operators today extended its 48-hour compensation package for US-bound British holidaymakers until midnight on Friday.

The package gives everyone travelling to areas of the USA, apart from New York, Boston and Washington DC, a no-penalty refund or a free transfer to an alternative holiday.

A similar deal for those due to travel to New York, Boston and Washington lasts until midnight on September 18.